
OCO issues clarification regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip
The OCO stated that since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza, it has actively initiated humanitarian efforts by providing urgent aid sourced from the local market until supplies were exhausted. The organisation has successfully operated 16 direct air bridges to Egypt and Jordan, delivering vital relief and medical aid. Furthermore, the OCO facilitated the reception of the first batch of war-wounded individuals for medical treatment within the Sultanate of Oman.
The organisation noted that since the complete closure of crossings to all aid, it has shifted its strategy to dispatch humanitarian aid from various countries around the world. The OCO's efforts continue on a weekly and ongoing basis, in close coordination with key partners:
The Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO)
The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Amman
The Jordanian Red Crescent
The Palestinian Red Crescent
This ongoing coordination is crucial for monitoring developments regarding the opening of crossings and ensuring the OCO's full readiness to deliver aid as swiftly as possible once access is granted.
The OCO firmly affirmed its position as the only official body authorized to collect donations from individuals and institutions within the Sultanate of Oman for the purpose of delivering humanitarian aid outside the Sultanate, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The organisation also highlighted the Omani government's significant importance and continuous monitoring of this critical humanitarian issue. This oversight ensures that the OCO can effectively fulfil its role in achieving the objectives of Omani relief work in an organised and efficient manner.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
Palestinian Authority slams Israel's escalation in Gaza
RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Authority on Saturday lambasted the Israeli government's decision to expand its military operations in Gaza, as it called on the international community to push for the entry of aid into the strip. According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, the PA's presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the Israeli government's moves were "an unprecedented challenge and provocation to the international will to achieve peace and stability". He also called on the "international community, led by the UN Security Council, to urgently compel the occupying state to cease its aggression, allow the entry of aid, and work diligently to enable the State of Palestine to assume its full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip", reported Wafa. Early on Friday, the Israeli security cabinet approved plans to launch major operations to seize Gaza City, triggering a wave of outrage across the globe. Despite the backlash and rumours of dissent from Israeli military top brass, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained defiant over the decision. In a post on social media late on Friday, Netanyahu said "we are not going to occupy Gaza — we are going to free Gaza from Hamas". Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure a ceasefire to bring the territory's more than two million people back from the brink of famine and free the hostages held by Palestinians. Israel's arch enemy Hamas, whose October 7, 2023 attack triggered the war, slammed the plan to expand the fighting, calling it a "new war crime". Israel's offensive has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry, figures the UN says are reliable. The 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, based on official figures. Meanwhile, Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 10 people were killed across the Palestinian territory on Saturday, including civilians who were waiting to collect aid. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said that at least six people were killed and 30 wounded after Israeli troops targeted civilians assembling near an aid point in central Gaza. The spokesman said strikes also hit areas in central Gaza, resulting in multiple casualties. Thousands of Gazans congregate daily near food distribution points in Gaza, including four managed by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Since launching in late May, its operations have been marred by almost-daily reports of Israeli forces targeting those waiting to collect aid supplies. Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies into Gaza since the start of the war nearly two years ago have led to shortages of food and essential supplies, including medicine and fuel, which hospitals require to power their generators. The plan triggered swift criticism from across the globe, with China, Turkiye, Britain and numerous Arab governments issuing statements of concern. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the Israeli plan a "dangerous escalation" that risks "deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians". Diplomatic sources said that the UN Security Council will meet to discuss the plan. Announcing the suspension of military shipments to Israel, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was "increasingly difficult to understand" how the new plan would help achieve legitimate aims. In Israel, there were mixed reactions to the cabinet's decision, while Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military had already begun preparing for its implementation. The main campaign group for hostages' families also slammed the plan, saying it amounted to "abandoning" the captives. Gaza residents said they feared further displacement and attacks as they braced for the next onslaught. "They tell us to go south, then back north, and now they want to send us south again. We are human beings, but no one hears us or sees us," Maysa al-Shanti, a 52-year-old mother of six, said. Hamas on Friday said the "plans to occupy Gaza City and evacuate its residents constitutes a new war crime". It warned Israel that the operation would "cost it dearly", and that "expanding the aggression means sacrificing" the hostages held in Gaza. International concern has been growing over the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where a UN-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding. The World Health Organization said at least 99 people have died from malnutrition in the territory this year, with the figure likely an underestimate. — AFP


Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Oman condemns Israeli plan for Gaza occupation
Welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal Muscat – Oman condemned and categorically rejected the Israeli government's decision to occupy the Gaza Strip. The Foreign Ministry criticised Israel's continued violations of international law, disregard for UN resolutions and infringement of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people without accountability. Armenia-Azerbaijan accord The sultanate welcomed a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing sincere appreciation for the peaceful efforts that led to this historic accord ending decades of conflict and division. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry commended the pivotal role of the United States and other parties in facilitating the agreement. Oman expressed hope that this step will encourage similar peaceful resolutions to other conflicts, notably the Palestinian issue, through dialogue based on justice and rights. Such approaches, it stated, will contribute to greater stability and prosperity for all countries and regions affected by conflict worldwide.


Times of Oman
4 hours ago
- Times of Oman
More tariffs on the way – Learn to become self-sufficient
Every day, we hear news of fresh and increased tariffs on US imports. Last Wednesday, Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, bringing the total to 50 percent. Speaking to The Times of Oman, R. Madhusoodanan, a financial expert based in Muscat, said, 'This is nothing but a retaliatory action' by the US, citing that India continued to purchase of Russian crude. This is quite discriminatory as China is importing more crude from Russia than India, and still, their tariff is much lower than that of India. No doubt, if implemented, India's exports to the US, particularly textiles, pharma, vehicle parts, leather, and marine products, are expected to be impacted at least in the short term. For example, the current tariff on steel, copper, and aluminium is 1.7 percent, while the revised rate will be 51.7 percent, whereas the tariff applicable to Mexico , China, and Canada is 25 percent, 30 percent, and 35 percent, respectively. This makes the Indian products costly for the US customers. 'Unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable' The Indian government has said the move is 'unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable. The government has been taking steps to diversify the export markets to other regions, including South American countries, to mitigate the potential risks. More credit flow is expected to happen to sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, pharma, housing, and textiles. New markets, infrastructure, tariffs on imports, export incentives, and tax sops are also very important, besides making available cheap, timely, and adequate finance to these sectors. Currently, India has around 18 percent of its exports to the US, and India has a trade surplus with US. New developments may impact the trade deficit of India. The shocks in the Indian equities, weaker INR, and high volatility in the forex markets are indicators., he further said. It is high time that India became self-sufficient in many areas and to have checks on the import of electronic goods, gold, and other precious metals to preserve forex earnings. Efforts also needed to produce goods and services that are globally competitive. Outlook The new tariffs on more than 90 countries around the world have come into effect. But the fact is that the US is also not insulated from the aftermath of the tariff decisions. The latest payroll data released is not good. The dollar index (DIX), which indicates the strength of the dollar against a basket of currencies, is in the range of 98-99. Inflation and growth concerns are also factors facing the US economy. The US is well aware of the consequences of its exports and the higher inflation, etc, due to the increased tariffs. US kept the windows open for discussion with many countries, including that of India, and the new rates are unlikely to be the final ones, R. Madhusoodanan said.